Electronic games had always been in the interest spotlight for many decades. With time, gaming evolved so much that today there is a game for every genre and age group. People are breaking their banks and spending money like water on gaming setups and equipment ever since.
In present times, an average gaming pc can cost you up to $800 to $1200.
Buying a pc with max specs can cost you above $2000.
With this money, you can easily buy or build a customized pc with lights and liquid flowing through it. The worst part of this deal is spending this much money can not guarantee you protection.
Now the solution to this problem is a surge protector for gaming pc.
Aesthetically surge protectors for gaming pc don’t match with the vibe of your device, but they are super important. We know surge protector might be the last thing on your mind when buying/building a gaming device. Let us discuss the function and need of the surge protector for gaming PC.
Functioning of the surge protectors for gaming PC:
A gaming device (pc or console) consists of many tiny and intricate components. They might be sensitive to external factors like redundant moisture, extreme temperature, unnecessary electric surges, etc. These conditions can damage your device partially or even completely.
Among all problems, excessive power surges are the biggest ones. Power surges are high-intensity increments in electric power over the time frame of a millisecond. Surges have many reasons to occur, but their solution is only one.
That is Surge Protectors or specifically surge protector for gaming pc as the topic of discussion now.
Surge protectors face the power surge and take it down to the ground. They might get burnt along the process, but your gaming device’s health wouldn’t be compromised.
Certainly, nobody wants a gaming pc to be burnt. Surges are sworn enemies of all gamers.
Learning from the mistakes is a good thing, but making a mistake intentionally to learn from it is not the best thing in the world. Invest in a good quality surge protector for a gaming pc before spending money on a high-end gaming pc like water.
Till here, you might find your reason to purchase a surge protector for gaming pc. The next step is even more crucial and requires adequate knowledge.
What to look at when buying a surge protector for gaming pc:
There are a lot of complicated factors we need to check when buying a surge protector for a gaming pc. We only light up the most fundamental ones, which carry more weightage.
Joule Rating
The first thing in the funnel is its Joule Rating. Joule rating seems fancy, but basically, it is an indirect measure of the life of the surge protector. For instance, a surge suppressor with a rating of 4000 lasts 4X longer than a suppressor with a joule rating of 1000.
Clamping Voltage
The next big thing is its Clamping voltage. It is contrary to Joule ratings as it is a measure of how many voltages get through during a surge spike. Only lower numbers are better for your gaming gear. Generally, people select the value ranging from 333 volts to 500 volts.
warranty
Most people do not look at the Comprehensive connected equipment warranty when buying electronic equipment. Until something happens and they have to look at it. Buy a surge protector with a lifetime warranty. Because surges aren’t going anywhere.
Convenience
is also worth considering. You might find a suppressor that has more space between outlets and more no. of openings. After all, it is 2021, you must get a couple of USB charging ports in it as well.
Read also: How many joules surge protector do I need for Computer
Some Top Picks:
Since surge protectors for gaming pc are not the most exciting thing to search out, we’ve saved you the trouble of searching the surge protectors that are worth your while.
Here are some reviewed best surge protectors for your gaming computer:
Anker Power Extend Strip
The best surge protectors for gaming pcs when it comes to delivering exceptional protection in the best budget. This $28 thing is the best security for your gaming gear.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cord Length: 6 feets | It is not listed in UL. |
| Surge energy: 4000 x2 Joules. | |
| Clamping Voltage: 7500 Volts. | |
| 1 Mounting Hole & 12 Outlets. |
APC SurgeArrest P11VNT3
If you have a multimedia center or a multi-display gaming setup, you will need tons of power outlets in one place. and of course, tons of security for all devices. If that is your case, this APC’s surge protector for gaming pc is for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| 11 AC Outlets | No Reset Button. |
| 2 USB Ports | Outlet randomly die. |
| 2880 Joules | |
| 6ft extension cord | |
| Recessed Power Switch |
Echogear 12 Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip
This device by Echogear is best for protective gaming pcs. Supplying 12 power outlets with 3240 joules.
What we love about this device is its mountable design. Top of all, it is extremely easier to install.
| Pros | Cons |
| 12 AC Outlets | Its warranty does not protect against lightning surges and sudden electric surges. |
| 2 COAX Ports | Its green light is sometimes disturbing. |
| 3240 Joules | |
| Strong Ceramic Casing. | |
| Mountable Design. |
Willnorn 12-Outlets Power Strip Surge Protector
One of the best things about this device is it is protected by ETL. Consist 4360 Joule, worth considering for a gaming pc.
Its demonstrative green light turns on, describes protection against maximum surges. On top of that, it has a built-in intelligent charging mechanism that automatically detects devices and charges accordingly.
| Pros | Cons |
| 12 Outlets | USB Type C outlet is only 15 watts |
| 4 USB Ports | Doesn’t fully supports fast charging on some mobiles. |
| 4360 Joules | |
| Wall-Mounted | |
| 6ft power cord. |
Plugable Surge Protector Power Strip
This is our favourite surge protector for gaming pc. Sleek Black design with full aesthetics. Stylish and Safe plugs with sliding cover for avoiding accidental contacts.
The built-in 10.5W 2-Ports USB chargers are suitable for all androids, IOS, and Windows.
| Pros | Cons |
| 12 AC outlets | USB Ports gradually stops working |
| 2 USB ports | Greenlight is annoying at night. |
| 4320 Joules | |
| 6ft Cord |
Power Strip, Bototek Surge Protector
A surge protector that is listed on ETL and is FCC certified. If you want to charge your device faster and safer than ever, use this surge protector. This surge protector has an automated ON/OFF switch that is lighted and turns on/off the circuit. It meets a minimum 2000 Joules rating so it is suitable for gaming pcs.
| Pros | Cons |
| 10 AC Outlets | USB Ports stop working within 6 months |
| 4 USB ports | Humming sounds when plugged in. |
| 2100 Joules | |
| 6ft Power cord |
ESHLDTY RGB Power Strip Tower
This is the superhero of surge protector for gaming pc. Now we are talking about gaming. It is Shockproof, Waterproof, and everything proof. Comes with 20W charging support, capable to charge the latest iPhone. Rest is assured.
| Pros | Cons |
| 9 AC outlets | 1 USB port |
| 1 USB port | Short on AC outlets |
| Waterproof charging station | |
| 2000 Joules. | |
| LED Controller | |
| 6ft cord |
Conclusion:
Prevention is always better than cure. It is advisable to invest in a surge protector for gaming pc. It costs pretty little than the device cost.
Btw, all your home appliances are at risk of being zapped by power surges. Look for a Whole-house surge protector as well.